In reinforced concrete decks, which reinforcement is primarily responsible for tensile strength?

• A. Primary reinforcement
• B. Secondary reinforcement
• C. Positive Moment Tension
• D. Negative Moment Tension

Answer: (A)

In reinforced concrete decks, the concrete handles compression well, but tension is carried by the steel. The reinforcement laid in the tension zone to take the main bending tensile stresses is called the primary reinforcement. It is sized and spaced to resist the majority of the tensile load during service, giving the deck its main strength under flexural loads. Secondary reinforcement is used to hold the primary bars in position, control cracking, and provide distribution, but it doesn’t carry the primary tensile capacity. Terms like positive moment tension or negative moment tension describe where tension occurs in the member, not a different type of reinforcement. So the main tensile strength comes from the primary reinforcement.